How to Pick the Best Food for Your Adult Cat in 2025
Did you know that 95% of cat owners admit they feel overwhelmed when standing in the pet food aisle? You are not alone because this includes myself and I am a certified veterinary assistant.
Choosing the right cat food can feel like deciphering a foreign language with all those ingredient lists and marketing claims. But here’s the thing – your furry kiddo’s health, energy levels, and longevity depend heavily on what goes in their food bowl every day, just like humans. Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or looking to upgrade your kitty’s current diet, I will walk you through everything you need to know in detail to make an informed decision. From understanding nutritional requirements to spotting red flags on labels, this comprehensive guide will transform you from a confused shopper into a confident cat food connoisseur! There is no judgement on what you decide. Please pick based on what your budget is, your lifestyle, your cat’s lifestyle and taste preferences. This is a pure informational post so be patient with yourself and the process. Mine was a few years of research and months of getting to know my cats. You got this!
Before doing a deep dive into this article, ask yourself these questions:
If money and time was not an issue, what food would I most prefer to feed my cat? Dry, canned wet food, freeze dried or raw.
I was talking to my boyfriend when he asked me this question.
Why would I prefer this option?
I initially chose fully wet canned food diet for my cats. I chose this option because cats are carnivores and have a mostly or all meat diet is very healthy for them. The moisture content for wet canned food is very good for cats, and my cats do love their wet food.
Can we afford this option, right now?
At the time, the answer was no. But this did not stop me from spoiling my cats with wet food. We decided to do two small dry meals (one in the morning and one in the evening) then one wet food meal in the afternoon. Our schedule at the time did allow us to feed them 3 times a day and they were excited for each meal. We also made it a goal to afford to feed them all wet food one day and we have now succeeded. Although we decided to go with branded raw food instead.
Go over these questions by yourself or with your partner. You can write them down or make a mental note.
Understanding an Adult Cat’s Nutritional Needs
Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients the body needs in large quantities while micronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in smaller quantities.
Essential Macronutrients Cats Require
Protein: This is a Chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mackerel, beef, lamb, eggs, rabbit, duck and venison (amino acids from animal meat and tissue- Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine). Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair and overall body maintenance.
Fats: This is the most energy rich nutrient for cats instead of carbohydrates. It serves as a transport molecule and conducts nerve impulses, helps skin and coat health, helps wound healing, helps with decreasing inflammation and brain function (Fatty acids- omega-3 and omega-6; healthy fatty food- salmon, chicken, liver and beef)
Carbohydrates: Since cats are carnivores they do not need carbohydrates for energy. Their bodies can process some specific carbohydrates but not many like dogs or humans.
Essential Micronutrients Cats Require
Amino acids are provided by animal meat and tissue. The list of amino acids cats need are as follows:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Taurine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Fatty acids are provided through fish and cat-safe fish oil supplements. They include omega-3 and omega-6.
Important Vitamins and Minerals:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Zinc
Copper
Iodine
Selenium
Vitamins A, B, C, D and E
Cat Nutrition: Guide to Cat Food Nutrients | PetMD
Feeding Your Cat | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cat Nutritional Needs
Indoor cats would need lower calorie and higher fiber content for hairball control. This is because indoor cats tend to be (not always) less active than outdoor cats since they usually have limited space. Outdoor cats would need higher calories and higher protein to keep up an active lifestyle.• Special considerations for spayed/neutered cats- feed 20-30% less calories
Understanding AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statements
For these specifics, I will provide websites below to provide most accurate information:
“Complete and Balanced” Pet Food | FDA
Decoding Cat Food Labels
What “Complete and Balanced” Really Means
Complete and balanced means the product contains all necessary nutrients for a cat’s health and in correct proportions for specific life stages stated on the product’s label.
*Look for AAFCO for “kitten”, “adult”, or “all life stages” label*
How to Read Ingredient Lists Effectively
Ingredients are listed in order by weight, therefore, the first 3-5 ingredients are most important.
For cat food, look for named animal proteins (chicken, salmon, beef, rabbit, turkey). If you are looking for more quality food it is best to avoid “protein flavor” (ex: chicken flavor) or “with protein” (ex: with chicken).
It is best to try to avoid food with lots of fillers that are labeled early in the list. This includes corn, wheat gluten, peas, or tapioca. For cats, they typically use peas and tapioca which is not ideal for cats since they are carnivores.
Whole food ingredients are better than heavily processed ingredients if you are looking for quality food. A good rule of thumb is, it is good if you can read and understand the words you are reading (unless you are highly knowledgeable in food chemicals or chemistry).
Understanding Guaranteed Analysis Panels
Guaranteed Analysis panels is used mostly for pet food. It tells you the minimum protein, minimum fat, maximum fiber and maximum moisture their product contains. I have attached the link for AAFCO Guaranteed Analysis minimum and maximum requirements for dry and wet cat food.
Recognizing Marketing Tricks
“High protein”, “premium”, “gourmet” are commonly labeled on the front of the food label and are all not indicative of better food quality or health benefits. Look at the ingredients and food label and follow previous guidelines stated above of what to look for.
“Grain-Free” is technically true, but hides the use of other processed carbohydrates like peas or tapioca which are not most ideal for cats.
“Human-Grade” has no significant meaning in pet food.
“Natural” means no artificial or manufactured ingredients; says nothing about overall healthiness of product or ingredients’ origins.
Keep in mind the meat content on the front of the label and in the ingredient list on the label. “Chicken Flavor” means about 0-3% chicken; “with chicken” means about 4% chicken; “Chicken” (as the first ingredient) means at least 26% chicken.
Quality Protein Sources vs. Fillers
"Meat-by-products” or “meat digest” means the product includes non-edible parts of animals that are left over after the meat was processed. This includes:
Bones
Skin
Feathers
Hooves
Organs (such as liver, kidneys, spleen, etc)
Blood
By-products are generally safe for cats to consume in moderation. They can be a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They mimic a cat’s diet if they lived in the wild. It is also a cost-effective way to provide your kitty nutrition. I would keep in mind that meat-by-products can vary widely in quality as certain by-products can be low in nutrients and contain toxins and contaminates. There is also potential risk for cats to be allergic to a specific animal(s) by-product due to your kitty’s genetics or the amount of toxin or contaminates in the by-product. With that, look for AFFCO logo on the label or brand’s website.
Main Ingredients to Look for in Quality Cat Food
Quality Animal Protein Sources
Chicken and turkey are the most popular, affordable and most digestible sources of protein. Turkey is an excellent source of taurine.
Tuna, salmon, mackerel are wonderful sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy coat and brain function. You can also supplement other sources of protein with cat safe fish oil supplements.
Beef and lamb are reliable for iron especially lean cuts.
Eggs and egg whites are a good source of protein add on to other sources of protein.
Organ meats (certain by-products) highly digestible and contain certain sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Rabbit, Duck and Venison are the best sources of protein for cats with sensitivities and food (protein) allergies. These are called “novel protein” sources. They are not an owner’s typical first go-to due to these sources of protein being more expensive.
Prebiotics and Probiotics for Digestive Health
Typically sourced from legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and chicory that are not digestible for cats but support their digestive tract. You can use a cat safe supplement like, Probiotics + Prebiotics by Fera Pets. Pre and probiotics are usually already added to certain cat food, but not all so this can be good to have on hand just in case, especially during times of stress or changing their food.
Red Flag Ingredients to Avoid if You Are Looking for Quality Food
Avoid These Ingredients
Artificial additives can cause allergic reactions and health problems.
Indigestible ingredients like bones can cause gastrointestinal upset and blockages.
High-carbohydrate ingredients can contribute to weight gain and diabetes.
Onions, garlic, and chives (can eventually cause anemia)
Chocolate and caffeine (toxic methylxanthines)
Grapes and raisins (potential kidney failure)
Artificial Colors and Flavors:
Preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
Antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, tert-butylhydroquinone)
Indigestible Processed Ingredients for Cats:
Gluten
Potato starch
Guar gum
Xanthan gum
High-Carbohydrate Ingredients: Choose foods with a moderate amount of carbohydrates (around 10-15%)
Grains (other than rice in small amounts)
Fruits (except for small amounts of berries)
Vegetables (except for leafy greens and broccoli)
Other Problematic Ingredients:
Rawhide
Bones
Milk
Garlic
Onion
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Making the Right Choice
Pros of Wet Canned Food
High Moisture Content: Wet food helps cats stay hydrated, which is crucial for urinary tract and kidney health, especially for cats who do not drink enough water.
High Protein: As carnivores, cats do require high levels of protein. Wet food often contains more protein and animal-based fats, making it a more natural diet.
Lower Carbohydrates: Many wet foods have fewer carbohydrates compared to dry kibble, which is beneficial for cats with certain health conditions like diabetes.
Palatability: The appealing aroma and taste of wet food can make it a better choice for picky eaters, senior cats, or those with dental problems or a reduced sense of smell. Cats do tend to focus on smell and texture as they have more bitter tastebuds than dogs and humans.
Dental Benefits for Senior Cats and Cats With Less Teeth: The moisture and texture of wet food can be easier to chew for senior cats or those missing teeth.
Weight Management: Wet food has lower caloric density, making it easier to manage your cat's weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related issues.
Cons of Wet Canned Food
Higher Cost: Wet cat food is generally more expensive than dry kibble, which can be a significant factor for owners with multiple cats or a tight budget.
Short Shelf Life After Opening: Wet food spoils quickly once opened and must be refrigerated, becoming unsuitable for prolonged grazing.
Potential for Mess: Wet food can be messier to serve and eat than dry food.
Dental Downsides: As wet food can be good for older cats or cats with missing teeth, it can be a downside to younger cats with all of their teeth. The crunchy texture of kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a cat's teeth through chewing, although it is not a substitute for regular dental care. Sort of brushing their teeth without going through the stress of brushing their teeth. Wet food does not allow that since it is all soft.
Not for Automatic Feeders: Due to its perishable nature and texture, wet food is generally unsuitable for use in automatic feeders.
Pros of Dry Kibble
Convenient: Dry food is easy to store and serve, with a long shelf life, making it ideal for busy owners and automatic feeders.
Cost-Effective: It is generally more affordable than wet food, offering more concentrated nutrients and calories per volume.
Dental Health Benefits for Younger Adult Cats: The crunchy texture of kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a cat's teeth through chewing, although it is not a substitute for regular dental care.
Weight Management for Underweight Cats: The high-energy-density of dry food can efficiently provide calories to thin cats.
Cons of Dry Kibble
Low Moisture Content: Dry food contains very little water, forcing you and your cats to increase their overall water intake to stay hydrated.
Higher Carbohydrate Content: Compared to wet food, dry food tends to have a higher carbohydrate percentage, which can be problematic for diabetic cats.
Risk of Obesity: The high calorie density and easy availability make it simple for cats to overeat, potentially leading to weight gain.
Increased Risk of Urinary & Kidney Issues When They Are Older: The lack of moisture in dry food can increase the risk of urinary tract and kidney problems, as the cat's water intake may not be sufficient to flush toxins.
Less Nutritionally Complete: Dry food is less protein-dense and more carb-dense than wet food, which can be a concern for our mini carnivores.
Pros of Branded Raw Food
Nutrient Density: Proponents claim raw food has more natural vitamins and minerals compared to processed foods, as processing can destroy heat-sensitive nutrients.
Digestibility: The absence of fillers and additives found in some commercial foods may lead to less bloating and firmer stools.
Skin and Coat Health: The natural fats in raw diets can contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin.
Dental Health: Depending on the brand, chewing on certain raw bones, a component of some raw diets, can help clean teeth naturally.
Palatability: Some cats may find raw food more appealing and easier to eat than others.
Potential Cons and Risks of Branded Raw Food
Pathogen Contamination: Raw meat can harbor bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli) and parasites (Toxoplasma gondii) that pose a health risk to both the cat and the people handling the food, especially to children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
Risk Nutritional Imbalance: If the branded raw food is not accredited, balancing a raw diet is complex, as the lack of consistency in raw ingredients can lead to nutritional deficiencies (like taurine deficiency) or excesses that cause health problems.
Injury Risk: Feeding raw bones can pose a risk of dental fractures or internal injuries.
Cost and Inconvenience: Ready-to-serve raw meals can be expensive, and the limited shelf life of thawed raw food requires careful handling and storage.
Lack of Scientific Evidence: There is no scientific consensus that raw diets are superior to high-quality commercial foods, with claims of benefits often based on anecdotal evidence rather than robust data.
Important Considerations
Always consult a veterinarian before transitioning your cat to a raw diet to ensure it is nutritionally complete and balanced for your cat's specific needs.
Raw meat can harbor bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli) and parasites (Toxoplasma gondii) that pose a health risk to both your kitty and the people handling the food, especially to children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
If you choose to feed raw, strict hygiene practices are essential to minimize the risk of pathogen exposure to your family and pets.
Consider Alternatives especially if you have a busy lifestyle and/ or have smaller children. High-quality canned or dry foods can provide your cat with complete and balanced nutrition, often without the risks associated with raw diets.
Pros of Freeze-Dried Food
High-Quality Nutrition: Freeze-drying preserves the high nutrient content found in raw ingredients, offering a minimal and natural source of food for cats.
Long Shelf Life: Freeze-dried food can last for years without spoilage, making it convenient for storage and ideal for emergencies or travel.
Shelf-Stable & Lightweight: The process removes moisture, making the food lightweight and easy to ship and store without needing refrigeration.
Palatability: The taste and texture can be appealing to cats, and it can be easily rehydrated with water or pet-safe broth, similar to wet food.
Raw-Like Diet: It provides a diet that closely resembles a cat's natural, raw food diet without the mess, preparation time and cost of raw food.
Cons of Freeze-Dried Food
Cost: Freeze-dried cat food is generally more expensive than wet canned and dry kibble.
Requires Rehydration: Most freeze-dried foods need moisture added before feeding, which requires an extra preparation step.
Potential Nutritional Imbalance: Not all freeze-dried foods are nutritionally complete for cats, and some may lack necessary vitamins and minerals so make sure the food is accredited and has all the necessary ingredients.
Picky Eaters: Some cats may find the texture crumbly and may refuse to eat it until moisture is added back. My cat, Kani, does not like freeze-dried food especially if it has been left out. He refuses to eat it if it has been left out for too long.
Combination feeding strategies
Rotational Diet: Offer wet food for one meal and dry food for another, providing variety and ensuring a balanced intake of both nutritional types. My cats received dry food in the morning and evening then wet food for lunch. They were excited for each mealtime especially when it was time for wet food.
Blended Feeding: Combine wet and dry food in the same bowl at mealtime. This requires carefully calculating the total portion size of both foods.
Topping Method: Place a small amount of wet food on top of your cat's dry food to entice them, especially if they are a picky eater or need extra moisture.
Key Considerations
Portion Control: When mixing wet and dry food, ensure you do not overfeed. A general rule is to use half the recommended amount of each type of food to reach the total daily portion.
Freshness: Wet and raw food should be refrigerated after opening and served within a few hours. Discard any uneaten wet and raw food promptly to prevent spoilage.
Serving Temperature: Many cats prefer wet food at room temperature, so let cold food sit out for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Consult Your Vet: Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on portion sizes and the best balance of wet and dry food for your individual cat's age, activity level, and health.
Cost Comparison for Wet Canned, Dry Kibble, Branded Raw and Freeze-Dried
I am going to use specific brands and Chewy for purchasing the wet canned and dry kibble and use my cat, Kani as an example. Viva Raw has their own website. Sometimes each brand has their own calculator on their site either listed on the product itself or on the homepage. Be sure to use this information and use it accurately and use it per product to get the most accurate calculations.
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Seafood Entree in Gravy Wet Canned: For this product it is recommended to feed 1 can per 3.5 lbs your cat weighs daily. They do recommend checking the weight every day. I normally go off of how my boys look, but we are going to focus more on how to do the math.
Kani weighs around 11-12 lbs. I would recommend divided their highest normal weight by the weight recommended for each can, in this case is 3.5 lbs. 12 / 3.5 = approx. 3.4 cans. 11 / 3.5 = approx. 3.1 cans per day. I do usually calculate both his minimal weight and maximum weight so I can calculate a price window of what to expect. Kani would need 3.1-3.4 cans per day of this product in order to make sure Kani is well fed and has the proper nutrition.
For one month worth of food Kani would need approximately 4 cans a day (I am overestimating especially if I am sharing this food with my other cat, Jace). 120 days x 4 cans = 120 cans total. Say you go through Chewy.com, they offer a 24 pack of seafood favorites variety for $40.32 before taxes and shipping. 120 cans / 24 cans (representing 24 pack) = 5 boxes. $40.32 x 5 = $201.60 before taxes and shipping. This is for one month supply.
Iams Healthy Enjoyment Dry Cat Chicken & Salmon: They do not offer calculations you can do yourself. They do offer a food calculator and food measured by cups per day in specific weight ranges. I looked both at the chart and used the calculator and Kani would need 3/4 cups (0.75 cups) per day. We will 0.75 for the math to represent Kani’s daily intake needed for a well-fed diet.
I would normally get one 15 lb bag if it was just Kani. One 15 lb bag has approximately 67 cups (I just googled it). Mathematically, this food would last almost 3 months in a vacuum sealed container. I would always buy food at the 2 and 1/2 mark. One bag is $33.98. That is almost $12 per month. So, this is significantly cheaper than the Purina Pro Plan canned wet food.
Viva Raw: This is Kani and Jace’s current diet. It did take some adjusting because they were used to the larger amount of carbohydrates and processed food from the wet canned and dry kibble, but they do love it now. They provide a pretty accurate calculator (I did all the math out myself and have been experimenting with the early stages of transitioning them to this food) so it might be easier to use the calculator. They calculated with Kani being 3 years old, weighing at 12 lbs and highly active (more than 1 hour per day of activity) he would need 7 ounces of food per day. They also calculated at the top right-hand corner I would need to purchase 12 lbs of food every 4 weeks.
They do calculate the food by lbs; each package holds 2 lbs which contains 32 ounces. I, personally, supply for a month and a half and purchase every 5 weeks. For 5 week supply (to prepare for one month supply), I would need 15 lbs of food.
It is good to note, that you need to purchase at least 6 lbs for each order being shipped and you get free shipping (that is normally $20) if you spend $200 or more in one order. I do recommend planning to stock up for 1-2 months. I stock for at least 1 and 1/2 months and allow enough food for one week to allow enough shipping time.
For 16 lbs of raw chicken mix for cats, it is $84 before taxes and the $20 shipping for 1 just over 1 month supply.
I was quite surprised how this raw food was technically less expensive than the canned food for one cat. I wanted to get both of my boys on canned wet food initially because they love it and it allows enough hydration for their bodies, but due to this math, I went with Viva Raw..
I did choose to do a lot of the calculations myself when I was choosing food for my cats because they are both very active, even with staying indoor. Please feel free to choose how you would like to calculate your kiddo(s) well-fed diet.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat’s Lifestyle
Lower Activity Levels and Indoor Cats (Not Senior 8+ years)
Adult cats who have a lower activity level and/ or are indoor, do not need as many calories as a more active and outdoor cats. They do need the minimal AAFCO micronutrients and macronutrients.
High- Energy and Outdoor Cats
Due to energetic and outdoor cats being highly active it is better to put them on a higher protein diet with slightly higher calories. It may be best to consult a veterinarian, especially, if they are senior outdoor cats. Many people like to go off how a cat looks which is called a cat’s body condition score.
Cat Body Condition Scoring | Assess Your Cat’s Weight — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
Weight Management Options for Overweight Cats
For managing your cat’s diet if they are overweight, please consult your veterinarian. They will be able to run tests and personalize recommendations to your cat’s needs. Your cat may be just overweight; they could be overweight and diabetic or overweight with other concerns. Your veterinarian can prescribe the right medications, recommend the right supplements and let you know if your cat needs to be on a specific prescription food diet to maintain or better their health.
General rule of thumb is to slowly decrease your cat’s food down 10-15%. By slowly transitioning, you will not risk your cat’s body to go into any kind of shock. This is not huge in the moment but over time it may cause other issues with insulin levels, energy levels, etc. and your cat may be much hungrier because they are not used to eating that much less each day.
Prescriptions diets for cats tend to be low calorie and high-fiber and protein. You can switch your kitty to wet, raw or freeze-dried, but costs can be higher than dry food.
Diet For Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
Note that the word “diet” means the food a person, animal or community habitually eat. This does not JUST mean restricting. That is just the definition that society put on the word “diet”. Diet means food habits a person, animal or community have.
For kitties with sensitive stomachs, like seniors with sensitive stomachs, kitties with IBS or kitties going through a “stomach bug”, bland diets are highly recommended. Bland diet, in general for cats and dogs is plain chicken and rice. No seasoning, gravy or broth. Plain chicken and rice is the easiest for cats’ and dogs’ stomachs to process. Easiest meaning the less work their digestive system has to do to process the food.
Owners who cannot afford the prescription food that the veterinarian provides just does plain cooked (no oils added to coat the pan) or boiled chicken and plain rice. This is normally a short-term solution to a short-term problem such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach bug, etc.
Foods and Preparation for Senior Cats
Our senior kiddos are just as important to prepare for just like our kitten kiddos. If you plan on adopting a senior cat or your kiddo is getting to be 8 years or older, I recommend doing research and budgeting if you are not already. Just like humans, as cats get older their bodies grow then at some point their bodies and bodies organs very slowly start going down. It is our duty as pet owners to do the best we can to support their health. I have added the link for the AAFCO requirements for adult and senior cats at the end of this section.
High-Quality Protein: Let us start with protein. It will be beneficial for our older kiddos to be on higher-quality protein to help them maintain muscle mass and overall health since they are carnivores.
Moisture: I cannot stress this enough. Moisture, moisture, moisture. This is very important for cats, but especially our senior kiddos. Kitties are known not to be the best at drinking water; therefore, many kitties end up with kidney issues once they are older.
Digestibility: How easy is the food and protein for your kitty to digest? There are senior cat stages in food especially higher quality food. The most digestible proteins are chicken, turkey, salmon and tuna. Most digestible carbohydrates are rice, oats and sweet potato (make sure the food is higher in quality protein). The more digestible a diet is, the more it can aid in nutrient absorption for our senior kiddos.
Healthy Fats: While some geriatric cats have difficulty digesting fats, they remain an important part of a complete and balanced diet. Again, the best approach is to find foods that is specifically for senior cats or consult your veterinarian if you would like to do a homemade or raw diet.
Food for Senior Cats Tips
Veterinary Consultation: As I have mentioned in the beginning, your veterinarian is the best resource for creating a personalized feeding plan, as each senior cat has unique needs.
Monitor Weight: Regularly weigh your cat or pay attention to their body condition score (Cat Body Condition Scoring | Assess Your Cat’s Weight — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) to ensure they maintain a lean, healthy body condition and adjust portions as needed.
Consider Wet Food: Canned wet or branded raw foods are a great option as they provide essential moisture and are often softer, making them easier for cats with dental issues to eat.
Increase Water Intake: Place multiple bowls of fresh water in various locations throughout the home, or consider a pet fountain, to encourage more drinking by adding water to their food.
Adjust Meal Size: Older cats may prefer smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestion and appetite, especially if they have difficulty chewing. It is good to plan ahead of time to work with your busy schedule and pay attention to your kiddos’ habits to see if they are interested in their food or if they quit halfway through the bowl and come back later, etc.
Palatability: A faded sense of smell and taste can make senior cats picky eaters especially if their stomach becomes sensitive; you can warm food slightly to enhance its aroma, making it more appealing. Some owners have to add wet food on top of dry kibble, add broth or treats to make their senior kiddo more interested.
Nutrition and Weight: Mature Adult and Senior Cats - AAHA
Popular Cat Food Brands: What Veterinarians Recommend
I am going to list off popular brands from the top of my head from both school and my work experience in the field from 2021- 2023. Note that each brand will vary especially in product and reviews may change over time. For example, Purina has its One product line, but the higher quality version is Pro Plan. Vet offices always keep either Hills Science Diet, Royal Canine, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet prescription products on hand.
Premium brands worth the investment
Hills Science Diet, Royal Canine, Purina Pro Plan, Iams Active Health
Budget-Friendly Higher Quality Options
Dry: Iams Active Health and Purina Pro Plan
Wet: Iams Perfect Portions and Purina Pro Plan
Branded Raw: Viva Raw and Darwin’s Natural
Freeze-dried: Instinct, Vital Essentials, Open Farm
Types of Prescription Diets
The prescription diets listed below may not be the actual name of the diet for each prescription brand, but the veterinarian will know what you are talking about if you mention the main name and not the abbreviated name. Each prescription diet is made for each condition. Ingredients are either added, lowered or disregarded to help treat or maintain a condition.
Urinary Health: Designed to dissolve struvite crystals and prevent their recurrence, supporting overall bladder health.
Kidney Support (e.g., k/d): Formulated with controlled phosphorus and protein levels to help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Digestive Care (e.g., i/d): Contains highly digestible ingredients and prebiotics to support cats with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal upset.
Metabolic & Weight Management: Is formulated to support a healthy metabolism and promote satiety, helping cats lose weight safely.
Food Sensitivities & Allergies: This is limited ingredient or hydrolyzed protein formulas help manage food sensitivities.
Other diets include liver support, which manages liver disease (hepatic diets), and addresses general stress (feline calm diets).
Transitioning to New Cat Food Safely
This process should take at least a month. Note you should notice any negative symptoms within the first 14 days of transitioning.
Day 1-7: Start with 25% of your kiddo’s new food and 75% of the old food each meal.
Day 8-14: Change to half of the new and half old food each meal.
Day 15-21: Transition to 25% of old food and 75% of new food each meal.
Day 22-30: Your kiddo should be eating a full meal of their new food, each meal.
Signs your cat is adjusting well to new food is not vomiting, no diarrhea, no allergic reactions and they are interested in the food. Some cats will be very hesitant or sensitive about the food change, and some will not. Be prepared for anything because you might be surprised to how your cat will react. When I was transitioning my cats to Viva Raw, my younger cat Jace sniffed it and ate it immediately. My older cat, Kani, looked at and walked away even though he was yelling at me he was hungry. It took many methods and many different variations to try to get Kani to eat his new food.
What do you do if your cat refuses to eat the new food?
It depends on the food, but I will provide examples. For all food types, you can add broth or their favorite treats. For wet canned, freeze-dried (soaked in broth or water), or raw you can slightly cook it to bring out the aroma.
How To Manage Digestive Upset During Transitions
Pre and Probiotics: You can order cat specific pre and probiotics online or go through your veterinarian and most will prescribe Forti Flora.
Keep Them HYDRATED: If they are vomiting and having diarrhea make sure, they are drinking water and add water to their food as cats can get dehydrated easily due to their size and lack of habit of drinking.
Stop Their New Diet and Consult Your Veterinarian: If vomiting and diarrhea happen for more than 48-72 hours or your kiddo is having an obvious allergic reaction (swelling of face or body, hives or rash), stop the food and contact your veterinarian for advice.
Common Cat Food Mistakes to Be Aware Of
Overfeeding and Portion Control: It is best to calculate your cat’s caloric intake or measurements of food (per brand product) per day and match it to the chosen food in order to avoid weight gain and worst-case health concerns from long term weight gain.
Feeding Dog Food to Cats: This is not recommended as dog food can process more carbohydrates there for protein content may not be as high as it needs to be for cats. This can cause malnutrition and upset stomach.
Ignoring Expiration Dates and Storage: Do not ignore expiration dates and storage requirements. This is important for your kitty’s health (and your health if you are handling raw food).
Choosing Food Based Solely on Price: You are more than welcome to do this because I understand not everyone can afford the more expensive options, just keep in mind the risks. Just like picking your food at the grocery store. Be sure to at least do your research to make sure the food meets the minimum requirements for AFFCO
Not Considering Your Cat’s Individual Preferences: This is difficult to keep up at times. I say this from personal experience. It is not impossible, though. It would be best to feed either in separate rooms, on different levels, or invest in a collar motion activated feeder.
Selecting the perfect adult cat food doesn’t have to be rocket science! Remember, the best food for your feline friend combines high-quality ingredients, meets AAFCO standards, and suits your cat’s individual lifestyle and preferences. Start by prioritizing real animal protein, avoiding harmful fillers, and considering whether wet, dry, or combination feeding works best for your household. Don’t forget to transition gradually and monitor your cat’s response to any dietary changes. Your veterinarian is always your best resource for personalized nutrition advice, especially if your cat has specific health concerns. Take action today by examining your current cat food label using the tips in this guide – your kitty’s health and happiness are worth the effort!